“It’s not whether you got knocked down, it’s whether you get back up…” A famous Vince Lombardi quote can go a long way, and it’s one of those—suited for any time, moment, or century. Most certainly so, it is apt for the Patriots’ current scenario. But if you’re a Pats fan, you’re probably wondering when exactly that “get back up” part is happening. Sitting at 3-9, it’s been a brutal season, and head coach Jerod Mayo isn’t making things any easier with his blunt post-game comments. “There’s nothing any coach can do for them once they cross the [sideline],” Mayo said. Ouch!! Even if he’s technically right, the delivery isn’t winning him any fans.

But Captain David Andrews stepped in to back his coach, saying, “That’s the truth, though. Coaches can’t play the game. Bill [Belichick] would say that stuff, too. ‘I can’t play the game for you.’” Classic Belichick, sure. He might have said that behind closed doors, but never out in the open. I mean, we remember Big Bill for keeping those criticisms in-house. So, that’s it. Fans aren’t upset that Mayo is holding players accountable; they’re fuming because he’s airing the dirty laundry in public.

The Patriots’ week 12 blowout against the Dolphins only poured salt in the wound. After a scoreless first quarter, the wheels completely fell off. They trailed 24-0 by halftime, and while a 15-point second half showed some fight, the final 34-15 loss was nothing short of embarrassing. That’s not bad coaching—that’s chaos. And yet, Mayo doubled down, blaming the players post-game. If this was his attempt at a Hail Mary to motivate the team, it fell flat.

Remember when Belichick said, “When you criticize your team publicly like that, it doesn’t always go over well.”? He owned his share of the blame. Mayo’s approach feels like the opposite. Lately, he has been shrugging off the blame and leaving players to carry the weight alone. While Andrews might agree that execution falls on the players, even he admits that a coach’s role in preparation is crucial.

It’s clear the Patriots are missing Andrews’ steady presence, both on the field and in the locker room. Right now, the team looks unprepared, undisciplined, and, frankly speaking, lost. They need direction. But that starts from the locker room, which seems to be breaking apart.

Jerod Mayo needs to get his locker room back

Imagine losing a brutal game, walking into the locker room, and hearing… laughter. That’s as bizarre and if true then it clearly says: “Yeah, the season’s already done, let’s party…” I mean, that’s what it takes for a dynasty to fall, a loss to the Dolphins. Wow! Sure, rookie QB Drake Maye clearly looked gutted when he was at the podium saying: “I hate losing more than I like to win… Remember this feeling of really getting our b–ts whooped today.”

But HC Jerod Mayo, however, isn’t buying the “lighthearted locker room” narrative. During his Monday presser, he fired back: “Everyone in that locker room, we were down… I’m not sure what that report is. But I know the guys were disappointed.” Fair enough, but it’s hard to ignore how un-patriot-like this all feels.

Remember the Belichick era? They would have covered this up faster. Laughter after a loss? Not exactly the Patriot Way. You just didn’t hear much of inside locker room scoops back then. Now? Nothing feels like it’s within the walls.

To be fair, this team has issues much bigger than locker room vibes. The penalties in Sunday’s game? 10, for 75 yards. Six of those were pre-snap—a level of undisciplined play that’s become a recurring theme this season.

Here’s the harsh reality: the Patriots aren’t just struggling—they’re unraveling. From the team to beat to a team to play, that’s a fall you don’t get overnight. Fans can only hope the front office recognizes the urgency. While Maye might have the potential to carry this team, even the most promising QB needs a solid foundation and a locker room that’s working in tandem to get the dubs.